Diploma of Horticulture

Suitable for amenity horticulture managers, including parks and gardens and horticultural enterprises. There are no prerequisites however some course entry requirements do apply, see below for more details.

ABOUT THE COURSE

You have up to 2 years to complete this course in a self paced online format. Your learning time includes not only the time you spend working on the course materials, but also your time for reflection and thinking about what you have learned as you go about your normal activities. We estimate the total learning time may be up to 20 hours per week for some students. Of course, this will vary according to your existing skills and knowledge.

RuralBiz Training (RTO Code 90782) is responsible for ensuring compliance of all training and assessment.

COURSE LEADERS

UNITS

A total of 10 units is required for the Diploma of Horticulture: A minimum of 8 electives from the list below and a maximum of 2 units may be selected from elective units or from units aligned to Cert IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma package in AHC or from any other currently endorsed training package or accredited course. Selected units must have relevant job outcomes in horticulture.

Electives

AHCPCM501

Diagnose plant health problems

AHCPCM502

Collect and classify plants.

AHCPHT502

Develop a horticultural production plan

AHCHYD501

Develop a plan for a hydroponic system

AHCBUS501

Manage Staff

AHCBUS502

Market products and services.

AHCBUS508

Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports

AHCSOL501

Monitor and manage soils for production

AHCWRK503

Prepare reports.

AHCWHS501

Manage work health and safety processes

AHCWRK502

Collect and manage data

Other

AHCSOL401

Sample Soils and interpret results

COST

Your fee for this course will depend on the the availability of a subsidy from your State and your eligibility. To view a summary of all current course fees and subsidies please click here or contact our office for more information.

Payment Options

VET Student Loan

If you'd like to enrol in this course but can't afford the fees, you may be eligible to use a Vet Student Loan.

To be eligible for VET Student Loan, the Commonwealth Government requires that you:

provide a copy of your Australian senior secondary certificate, OR

achieve the required standard in an approved literacy and numeracy test.

The payment plan option consists of establishing a direct debit facility for payments deducted weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly from your nominated bank account or credit card, across the duration of your enrolment (up to 2 years). There is a $10 establishment fee and a 4% administration charge on all payment plans. The establishment fee is paid in your first instalment and the administration fee becomes part of your scheduled deduction.

You can make an upfront payment (of no more than $1,500) for your student fee while enrolling with any residual processed through the payment plan.Vet Student Loan students may make upfront payments prior to the census date for that unit.

TRAINING DELIVERY

We use a variety of ways to deliver your training such as:

Self-paced online learning:

Use resources and information in our online learning site (RuralBiz Online) to work at your own rate, at times that suit you. You will find resources to help you learn including videos, quizzes, print materials and links to other useful websites. This site also has a forum where you can post comments and questions for other participants and your trainer. It will also be the spot to upload your assessments, receive trainer feedback and track your progress.

Interactive online sessions:

These are run in our Blackboard Collaborate virtual classroom where you work with a trainer and other participants. You will be able to see a presentation on your computer screen, hear the trainer and other group members, and ask questions or make comments. One of our previous participants described it as being like "two way radio with pictures" but it also has a whiteboard, chat function and many other tools useful for training. Some sessions are also recorded for listening back at a later date. These sessions are usually run on demand when there is a group of at least 10 participants to attend.

Printed Manuals:

Many of our units use a printed manual, giving you time to explore the online learning environments while having familiar materials at hand.

BENEFITS

Key Benefits

Flexible - self paced online or online group delivery, fit study in with your life.

Everyone with an internet connection has equal access to training

Training is delivered to you - wherever you have internet access

No travel time or travel costs

Access to online materials 24/7

Access to the best trainers who are farmers themselves, not just trainers who can visit your district

Your very own Guardian Angel for support

Work in groups from a wide geographic area

Training can continue even if you are travelling or cut off by floods or other natural disasters

Assessments are submitted online - fast turnaround times

Student Card - purchase some items at discounted prices

PATHWAYS

Further Education or Training:

Further training pathways from this Qualification include, but are not limited to: